Weapons crime attorney in Cole County, MO. Facing charges of a weapons crime in Cole County, MO? Don’t gamble with your future. A weapons crime conviction can impact your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You need a skilled and aggressive weapons crime attorney in Cole County, MO who knows the system and how to protect your rights.
At Combs Waterkotte, we understand what’s at stake. Our aggressive criminal defense strategies have helped numerous individuals charged with gun and other weapon-related offenses throughout the Cole County, MO area get reduced charges, dismissed cases, or complete acquittals.
If you’re facing charges, call our Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney right away at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential consultation. Our legal team has over 60 years of combined experience and has successfully handled 10,000+ cases just like yours in Cole County, MO and across Missouri.
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Article Summary
If you’ve been charged with a weapons crime in Cole County, MO, don’t risk your freedom—turn to the trusted team at Combs Waterkotte. Our experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorneys aggressively defend clients facing gun charges, unlawful use of weapons, armed criminal action, and other firearm-related offenses throughout the Cole County, MO area. We build powerful defenses, challenge unlawful searches, and fight for reduced charges, dismissals, or acquittals. Whether you’re dealing with accusations of possession, use, or trafficking of firearms, read on to see how Combs Waterkotte provides the experience and skill you need to:
- Take immediate steps in Cole County, MO to protect your rights and future.
- Understand the importance of acting quickly after being charged.
- Know your rights, no matter the charge.
- Fully understand the laws and charges you’re up against in Cole County, MO.
- Recognize the severity of penalties tied to weapons crimes.
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Protect Your Life
A felony can have long-term consequences. Act quickly and carefully to protect your future and your livelihood.
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Know Your Next Steps
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Wondering what happens after your felony arrest? The skilled Combs Waterkotte attorneys have the answers.
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Contact the experienced Combs Waterkotte felony lawyers now at (314) 900-HELP to get started on your defense.
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Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: What Counts as a Weapons Crime in Missouri?
Our experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorneys have seen it all—from minor infractions to serious felony gun cases. We have handled the following types of cases and more:
Unlawful Firearm Possession in the Cole County, MO Area
According to Missouri Revised Statute § 571.070, firearm possession becomes unlawful under specific circumstances, including:
- Being a convicted felon
- Being underage
- Belonging to a category of individuals prohibited from owning firearms
- Violating federal firearm possession restrictions
This charge is often a Class C felony, but it can be boosted to a Class B felony for individuals with prior convictions. Being charged with unlawful possession is serious—speak with a trusted Cole County, MO criminal defense attorney who can help protect your future and challenge the charges head-on.
Unlawful Use of a Weapon in in or Around Cole County, MO
Unlawful use of a weapon is one of the most common weapons-related charges filled in the Cole County, MO area, and it can occur under a wide range of circumstances, including:
- Discharging a firearm in a restricted area or while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Flashing or brandishing a gun in a way that alarms or threatens others
- Carrying a concealed weapon without legal authorization
- Bringing a firearm into prohibited locations
- Committing another offense—such as burglary, assault, or drug distribution—while armed
- Possessing firearms with illegal modifications or banned accessories
The consequences in Cole County, MO can be life-altering. Charges can range from a Class B misdemeanor to a Class A felony with decades—or a lifetime—behind bars.
If you’ve been accused in Cole County, MO, don’t wait. Contact or call a trusted Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney at (314) 900-HELP today to begin building your defense.
Cole County, MO Armed Criminal Action
Armed criminal action occurs when a weapon is used or visibly displayed during the commission of a felony offense. While not a separate crime on its own in Cole County, MO, this charge enhances penalties tied to underlying felonies such as:
- Drug Trafficking
- Assault
- Robbery
- Burglary
Missouri law imposes strict mandatory minimum prison sentences for armed criminal action:
- 3 years for a first-time conviction
- 5 years for a second conviction
- 10 years or more for a third offense
Possession of a Defaced Firearm in Cole County, MO
Owning a gun with a tampered serial number—known as a defaced firearm—can lead to serious trouble in Cole County, MO. It’s a Class B misdemeanor, but the implications are long-term: it can permanently affect your gun rights and your record.
Unlawful Weapon Sales, Transfers, or Trafficking in the Cole County, MO Area
It’s unlawful to sell, loan, or transfer a weapon to someone who is prohibited from possessing one in Cole County, MO. These violations often involve:
- Selling or gifting firearms to minors
- Giving a gun to someone with a criminal record
- Failing to confirm eligibility before a sale
Depending on the circumstances, the offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony. A knowledgeable Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney at Combs Waterkotte can help you avoid the worst-case scenario.
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Charged With a Weapons Crime in Cole County, MO? Here’s What to Do
Regardless of how serious the accusations are, here’s what you need to do right away in Cole County, MO:
- Stay calm and don’t speak with police or investigators before calling a lawyer.
- Reach out to our office as soon as possible for a free consultation.
- Allow our Cole County, MO legal team to evaluate the charges, safeguard your rights, and start building a strong defense strategy.
Time is critical in Cole County, MO weapons cases. The sooner you involve our expert weapons crime attorney, the more options we’ll have to reduce or eliminate the charges against you.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Here’s Why You Need a Skilled Lawyer Immediately
Being charged with a weapons offense in Cole County, MO can jeopardize your freedom, finances, and future. But with the help of an experienced defense attorney, you may be able to avoid the worst-case scenario.
Here’s how an experienced Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney helps protect you:
- Immediate Protection of Your Rights
- Investigating the prosecution’s claims and gathering critical evidence
- Push back against unconstitutional searches or arrests
- Negotiating for Reduced or Dismissed Charges
- Defend you in court with a strong, personalized strategy
Our team is known for being fearless in the courtroom and strategic behind the scenes. We take every charge seriously and fight to protect your freedom in Cole County, MO.
Cole County Resources
Below are quick links to important websites that may assist you with your legal matters in Cole County and Missouri.
Weapons Crime Attorney in Cole County, MO: Possible Legal Defenses
At Combs Waterkotte, no two cases are alike—but our Cole County, MO weapons crime defense team has successfully used a wide range of defenses to protect clients’ rights and freedom:
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others — Missouri laws like Stand Your Ground statute and Castle Doctrine protect your right to defend yourself. If you acted out of fear for your life or safety, we’ll work to prove it.
- Unlawful Search or Seizure — Police must follow strict rules when collecting evidence. If they found a weapon through an illegal search—no warrant, no probable cause, or a bad traffic stop—we’ll fight to have it excluded
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent — Maybe the weapon wasn’t yours, or you had no idea it was in your possession. We’ll work to show there was no criminal intent on your part.
- Other Defenses — You may also have a solid defense based on alibi, entrapment, mistaken identity, or insufficient evidence. Every detail matters in Cole County, MO.
If you partner with a Combs Waterkotte Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney, you aren’t just selecting the ideal weapons crime defense team in Cole County, MO and throughout Missouri – you’re securing your rights, your freedom, and your future. Along with experienced weapons crime attorneys, our staff is available 24/7 and provides expertise in the following areas for Cole County, MO residents:
Don’t Face Weapons Charges in Cole County, MO—Combs Waterkotte is on Your Side
When you’re facing a weapons charge in Cole County, MO, every detail matters. Our team of weapons crime attorneys is ready to stand between you and the prosecution. Whether it’s negotiating a favorable plea or going to trial, we’re here to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future.
Call us now at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a case review where you can get answers from a Cole County, MO weapons crime attorney who cares.
